Today, July 11th is “Cheer Up the Lonely Day.” It’s an opportunity for you to make a lonely person happy. Or, how about just make someone else happy–it doesn’t matter if they’re lonely or not! So, think about what you can do. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Spend some quality time with someone who is alone such as a co-worker. Invite him/her out for a meal or for a cup of coffee.
- Visit with a neighbor who lives alone.
- Volunteer to visit patients/residents in a hospital or nursing facility and read to/with them.
Now, some of you may be asking, “What if I’m alone and feeling lonely?” Well, the first thing is to get out of your home. When you feel lonely, the tendency is to keep to yourself or isolate yourself. This, in turn, will further increase your feelings of loneliness. So what can you do? Interestingly, the suggestions mentioned above will also be effective if you feel lonely. Additionally, keep in mind the following:
- Take your mind off of yourself and onto others. By helping others, your focus is on their needs rather than continuing to brood about your feelings of loneliness. Let’s face it, whatever you focus on “expands,” so continuing to think about being alone will further increase those feelings. In addition, when you’re helping others, you’re basically “connecting” with them.
- Go where there are people. Sometimes just “being around” others, even if you don’t necessarily interact with them, helps you to feel connected. Go to the mall, a park, a coffee shop, etc. and sit amongst others. The “energy” of the people around you can help you realize that you’re not alone in this world.
- Make an attempt to connect with others, no matter how small. Smile at someone walking by or say hello to people who you meet (e.g., store clerks, other customers, etc.).
Use these suggestions, not just today, but regularly. Cheer someone up and in the process you may even uplift your spirits.
Problems to Possibilities 